HughesNet Classic service is retired and no longer offered by Hughes - however, service with this system may still be available via third-party resellers as long as the satellite remains operational.
Our guide to the original Hughesnet service is archived below:
HughesNet (www.hughesnet.com) has long been the leader in consumer- grade satellite internet, and in some rural areas HughesNet remains one of the few affordable options for getting online.
Though HughesNet never officially directly supported mobile users, there used to be several companies that provided the equipment and training to allow for tripod-mounted HughesNet dishes to be taken on the road.
Commercial partners also officially resold HughesNet service (at a slight markup) paired with auto-aiming roof-mounted dishes, like the classic MotoSAT Datastorm.
But as HughesNet has evolved to focus consumer offerings exclusively on next generation residential spot-beam service, it has grown increasingly eager to migrate customers away from the old satellites and service plans.
And unfortunately for RVers – the new spot-beam equipment and plans from HughesNet are NOT mobile compatible, and are only suitable for fixed location installation.
Though some grandfathered customers remain roaming the country using older HughesNet HN7000S satellite modems with legacy service, as of 2014 HughesNet has made it nearly impossible to activate new consumer- grade service using older equipment.
Review & Testing Status
We had a tripod setup from 2010-2013.
Alternatives to Consider
For other featured mobile satellite options:
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Additional Reading
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Purchasing Options
If you are looking to buy older gear, here are some resources:
- OregonRV.net buys up old equipment, and refurbishes and resells it to consumers.
- RFMogul.com is a group of former MotoSAT engineers who provide new Datastorm controller software and upgrade options for old controllers too.
- Datastorm Users Group - You can sometimes find individual listings here.
The guides below have been hand-picked to help further your education about mobile satellite: